A traffic incident in recent days near Bnei Berit Cave in the Jerusalem Hills ended with a motorcyclist being evacuated in moderate condition after falling into a drainage ditch while riding off-road. The incident occurred in an open area frequently used by hikers, off-road riders and drivers, particularly on weekends and during periods of mild weather.
MDA teams and volunteers from the Rescue Team organization were dispatched to the scene following reports of the accident. The rider sustained head and limb injuries, received initial medical treatment on site and was evacuated by an intensive care ambulance to hospital for further treatment in the trauma unit. Rescue Team volunteer Shlomo Lerer said: “When I arrived at the scene, I saw a motorcyclist suffering from head and limb injuries after falling into a ditch during off-road riding.”
Together with additional MDA paramedics and medics, first aid was provided to the rider, including immobilization and bandaging, before he was evacuated in moderate condition for further hospital treatment. The incident was not life-threatening, but it once again underscores the level of risk involved in driving and riding in open terrain in the Jerusalem Hills.
How Do Drivers Lose Control Near Bnei Berit Cave?
The area surrounding Bnei Berit Cave is characterized by dirt roads, unpaved shoulders and drainage channels designed to carry rainwater during the winter season. In some sections, the terrain may appear stable at first glance, yet includes pits, rocks and steep drops that make vehicle or motorcycle control far more difficult.
Driving in such terrain, even at relatively low speeds, can quickly become dangerous when visibility is limited, the ground conditions change suddenly or the driver is unfamiliar with the route. Open drainage ditches are a permanent feature of forest and mountainous infrastructure and are not always clearly marked, posing a real hazard to drivers and riders alike.
What Should Drivers Know About Bnei Berit Cave and the Surrounding Area?
Bnei Berit Cave, also known as Cave of the Martyrs, is located in the Forest of the Martyrs and along the Nahal Kesalon area of the Jerusalem Hills. The site attracts hikers, families, cyclists and off-road motorcyclists throughout the year. Its proximity to Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh, along with relatively easy access, makes it popular but often crowded.
The area features mountainous terrain with narrow paths, sharp bends and clear transitions between paved roads and dirt tracks. In winter, the ground can become slippery and muddy, while in summer dust and loose stones reduce traction. The combination of natural landscape, vehicle traffic and off-road riding requires heightened caution and driving adapted to changing conditions.
Rescue officials emphasize that driving in the Jerusalem Hills and surrounding open areas demands constant alertness, appropriate speed and prior familiarity with the terrain. The recent incident near Bnei Berit Cave serves as a reminder that even locations that appear calm and familiar can catch drivers off guard within moments.
